Scientists at SMU studying the earthquakes around Azle warned Friday that it would be years before they were able to determine a possible link to nearby natural gas drilling.

Heather DeShon, the geophysics professor leading the team, said seismographs deployed around the epicenter of the activity would remain in place for 6 to 12 months and peer-reviewed analysis could take years more.

“It is important we do not rush to conclusions,” she said in a press conference Friday. “I understand people want results quickly. But we have to sit and wait a little while.”

The study, which is using equipment on loan from the U.S. Geological Survey, aims to see what role injection wells used by the natural gas drilling industry to store vast volumes of wastewater associated with drilling.

There are three injection wells within a 10 kilometer radius of the center of the activity, DeShon said.

But whether any of those wells cross the underground faults that drive seismic activity is as yet unknown.

Brian Stump, head of the geophysics department at SMU, said scientists long ago established an older and historically inactive fault line running close to Azle and Mineral Wells. But where that fault meanders at depth and whether other faults could be present is now under study.

“There aren’t active faults like on a plate boundary,” Stump said. “But these faults do have stress on them.”

Scientists at SMU are in negotiations with oil and gas companies that drill in the underlying Barnett Shale to obtain what information they have on the underlying geology.

Eventually they hope to cross-reference the seismic data against injection well activity in the area. So far they have relied on public data from the Texas Railroad Commission but are seeking more detailed data on the injection wells, DeShon said.

“The DFW area can not assume we’re not going to feel earthquakes any longer,” she said.